15
Aug

Mina
Murray's Journal

15 August

Rose later than usual. Lucy was languid
and tired, and slept on after we had been called. We had a happy surprise at breakfast.
Arthur's father is better, and wants the marriage to come off soon. Lucy is full
of quiet joy, and her mother is glad and sorry at once. Later on in the day she
told me the cause. She is grieved to lose Lucy as her very own, but she is rejoiced
that she is soon to have some one to protect her. Poor dear, sweet lady! She confided
to me that she has got her death warrant. She has not told Lucy, and made me promise
secrecy. Her doctor told her that within a few months, at most, she must die,
for her heart is weakening. At any time, even now, a sudden shock would be almost
sure to kill her. Ah, we were wise to keep from her the affair of the dreadful
night of Lucy's sleep-walking.